2 Chronicles 18

34 verses

TL;DR

Jehoashphat of Judah joins Ahab of Israel to attack Ramoth-gilead, but a prophet named Micaiah predicts disaster, revealing a divine deception that leads to Ahab’s death.

Summary

Jehoashphat and Ahab plan a joint attack on Ramoth-gilead. Ahab gathers 400 prophets who all predict success, but Micaiah, whom Ahab despises, delivers a grim prophetic vision that the battle will be disastrous. Micaiah declares that a lying spirit will mislead the prophets, and he predicts that Ahab will die in battle. Ahab is captured by his own men, imprisoned, and eventually killed after being wounded by a bow while fighting Syria. Despite the loss, Jehoashphat is saved by divine intervention, as the Syrians withdraw after seeing the true king.

Outline

Jehoashphat joins Ahab for war; prophets predict victory
Micaiah delivers false prophecy; Ahab imprisoned and killed
Jehoashphat rescued; divine judgment on Israel

Themes

Divine sovereignty over prophecyJudgment on false prophetsThe danger of political alliances with unrighteous leaders

Keywords

prophecylying spiritRamoth-gileadAhabMicaiahdivine judgmentwarimprisonment

People

JehoashphatAhabMicaiahZedekiah the son of ChenaanahJoashKing of Syria

Places

SamariaRamoth-gileadAmoninner chamberSyrian chariot army

Things

prophetic voiceslying spiritchariotbowfood of affliction

Key Verses

2 Chronicles 18:19: Micaiah reveals the presence of a lying spirit, setting the moral conflict.
2 Chronicles 18:28: Ahab’s death in battle underscores divine judgment.
2 Chronicles 18:31: The Syrians’ withdrawal illustrates divine intervention protecting Judah.

Questions

What does Micaiah’s warning reveal about the nature of true prophetic counsel?
How does Ahab’s political alliance with Judah impact the biblical narrative of Israel’s covenant?
In what ways does divine intervention shape the outcome of the battle at Ramoth-gilead?
What lessons can modern believers draw about discernment between genuine and deceptive spiritual guidance?
How does the destruction of Ahab reflect the theme of covenant fidelity in 2 Chronicles?

Sentiment

mixed
Conflict, judgment, and divine deliverance coexist.